My City: Colorado Springs

Out Traveler, in collaboration with Colorado Springs Pride, asked residents of the city through social media: What are the must-see destinations for LGBT tourists? Here are six of the most delicious, adventurous, and exciting responses from the people who know Colorado Springs best.

Rasta Pasta
"Rasta Pasta is the place for 'One Love' in Colorado Springs — affordable, healthy, family-friendly, fun, patio dining, full bar, downtown atmosphere, [which is] everything a tourist should soak in while in Colorado Springs." (405 North Tejon Street, more info)

Photo Credit: Rasta Pasta/Facebook

Pikes Peak Summit and Cog Railway
"What a wonderful experience. There are a couple of ways up to the top of the mountain, but my favorite is the Cog Railway. Wow! The view was absolutely stunning. The train ride up, and I mean up, was fascinating. The train staff pointed out historical points of interest as well as cool facts about the mountain and the entire Pikes Peak area. This is a must-see and -do event!" (515 Ruxton Avenue, Manitou Springs, more info)

Photo Credit: Pikes Peak Cog Railway/Facebook

Club Q
"Club Q is the longest running LGBT club in Colorado Springs. Voted Best Gay Bar [by the Colorado Springs Independent], Club Q is open seven days a week and features a dinner menu, amazing award-winning and nationally known entertainment and DJs every Friday and Saturday night. Club Q is more than just a bar — it is part of the local LGBT community and offers a venue for everyone from 18 and up. Club Q offers something for everyone every night of the night of the week, from casual card playing with friends, to a weekend full of Drag Queens, go-go dancers and hot DJs, or even a quick stop at the only bathhouse in Colorado Springs next door, [Buddies Private Club]." (3430 North Academy Boulevard, more info)

Photo Credit: Club Q Colorado Springs/Facebook

Manitou Springs
"It’s kind of a suburb of Colorado Springs. This cute little town is about three miles west of downtown. It is a free-spirited town with the unofficial motto of 'Keep Manitou Weird.' [It is] home of the bed races, fruitcake toss, Mardi Gras, and many other wacky fun events." (more info)

Photo Credit: So Many Things in Manitou Springs/Facebook

Garden of the Gods
"What a great place to see phenomenal rock formations [and] great views of Pikes Peak… Be sure to get out of your car and do a little hiking. And best of all… free!" (1805 North 30th Street, more info)

Photo Credit: Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
"Just loved this place. Sure, it’s a typical zoo, but as their website says, it is 146 acres set on a distinctive mountainside setting at an elevation of 6,800, with over 200 species of wild animals and home to over 800 animals of every variety: scaly, furry, feathered, striped, spotted, spectacled, hopping, strutting, and slithering. But my favorite part was the giraffe herd… well, more like the sign in front of the giraffe area. It has the words, 'Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado.' Apparently, they helped fund the 'African Rift Valley' exhibit. That was a great experience for my partner and me." (4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, more info)

Photo Credit: Cheyenne Mountain Zoo/Flickr